Press Kit Requirements

Do not submit a press kit.

Prizes & Awards

This category is a competition.

The Ken Burns Award for Best of the FestivalPresented to the film of any genre or length that best represents the artistic standards of excellence for the festival. This award is generously provided by influential documentary filmmaker Ken Burns, a graduate of Ann Arbor's Pioneer High School.Sponsor:Ken Burns Cash Award Value: 3,000 U.S. Dollar
This prize is shared with other categories.

The Stan Brakhage Film At Wit's End AwardFor a film artist whose work exemplifies the ideals of the individual creating, through deep personal necessity, a revealing and thought-provoking visual expression of formal innovation and integrity.Sponsor:Anonymous Cash Award Value: 1,000 U.S. Dollar
This prize is shared with other categories.

The Gus Van Sant Award for Best Experimental FilmHonoring the film that most successfully showcases the use of experimental processes, forms, and topics. Acclaimed director Gus Van Sant supports this award, as his early short experimental films won awards at the Ann Arbor Film Festival in the 1980s. Sponsor:Gus Van Sant Cash Award Value: 1,000 U.S. Dollar
This prize is shared with other categories.

The Michael Moore Award for Best Documentary FilmThe best non-fiction film of the festival will receive this award from documentary filmmaker Michael Moore, who received inspiration from hundreds of films he viewed over the years at the Ann Arbor Film Festival. Proceeds from his film, Roger and Me, fund this annual award.Sponsor:Michael Moore Cash Award Value: 1,000 U.S. Dollar
This prize is shared with other categories.

The Lawrence Kasdan Award for Best Narrative FilmThe narrative film that best makes use of film’s unique ability to convey striking and original stories will receive this award distinction. A notable Hollywood filmmaker, Lawrence Kasdan got his start in Ann Arbor at the University of Michigan and continues his connection through support of this festival award.Sponsor:Lawrence Kasdan Cash Award Value: 1,000 U.S. Dollar
This prize is shared with other categories.

The Chris Frayne Award for Best Animated FilmRecognizing the animated film that delivers the best style, creativity, and content. This award is given in honor of the spirit of Chris Frayne, a key participant in the festival's early years, whose approach to life was reminiscent of his colorful cartoon characters. Special thanks to Ann Arbor’s colorful Quack!Media for lead support of this award.Sponsor:No Sponsor Cash Award Value: 1,000 U.S. Dollar
This prize is shared with other categories.

The Barbara Aronofsky Latham Award for Emerging Experimental Video ArtistThis award intends to provide support to the most promising video artist at the inception of her/his career. Distributed by the Video Data Bank, the award was conceived by the Aronofsky family to honor the late Barbara Aronofsky Latham, a Chicago-based experimental video artist who passed away in 1984.Sponsor:No Sponsor Cash Award Value: 1,000 U.S. Dollar
This prize is shared with other categories.

The Prix DeVarti Award for Funniest FilmAwarded to the film likely to create the most laughs in the festival. This prize honors the 40-year friendship between Dominick's pub and the Ann Arbor Film Festival, and honors the memory of Dominick and Alice DeVarti.Sponsor:No Sponsor Cash Award Value: 1,000 U.S. Dollar
This prize is shared with other categories.

Art & Science AwardThis award honors the ﬁlmmaker whose work best uses the art form of ﬁlm and video to explore scientiﬁc concepts, research natural phenomena or embrace real world experimentation. Provided by Gil Omenn who seeks to encourage a positive exchange between the arts and sciences.Sponsor:Gil Omenn Cash Award Value: 750 U.S. Dollar
This prize is shared with other categories.

The Peter Wilde Award for Most Technically Innovative FilmThe film which showcases the most pioneering, cutting-edge technical innovations will receive this award. Peter Wilde was a long-time projectionist for the festival and master of special effects. This award honors his creativity and pursuit of new techniques.Sponsor:No Sponsor Cash Award Value: 500 U.S. Dollar
This prize is shared with other categories.

The \aut\FILM Award for Best LGBT FilmThis award honors the film that best addresses and gives voice to Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual or Transgender (LGBT) issues. The \aut\BAR of Ann Arbor contributes this award to promote a diversity of voices that achieve excellence in filmmaking.Sponsor:\aut\BAR Cash Award Value: 500 U.S. Dollar
This prize is shared with other categories.

Award for Best Sound DesignGiven for excellence and originality in sound design, this award is provided by Ghostly International. Sponsor:Leon Speakers Cash Award Value: 500 U.S. Dollar
This prize is shared with other categories.

Kodak/Colorlab Award for Best CinematographyFor the film that demonstrates the highest excellence and creativity in cinematography. The recipient of this award will receive $1,500 worth of 16mm or 35mm film stock from Kodak and $1,500 of film processing from Colorlab, a full-service film laboratory and telecine house since 1973.Sponsor:Kodak/Colorlab
Value of Goods/Services: 3,000 U.S. Dollar
This prize is shared with other categories.

The Tom Berman Award for Most Promising FilmmakerThis award is intended to support an emerging filmmaker that the Award Jury expects will make a significant contribution to the art of film in the course of his/her filmmaking career. This award is endowed by the Berman family in honor of the memory of Tom Berman, who was a University of Michigan film student, an early festival supporter and close friend to many within the festival community.Sponsor:No Sponsor Cash Award Value: 1,000 U.S. Dollar
This prize is shared with other categories.

George Manupelli Founder's Spirit AwardProvided to the filmmaker that best captures the bold and iconoclastic spirt of the founder of the Ann Arbor Film Festival, George Manupelli, whose vision for the festival continues to this day.Sponsor:No Sponsor Cash Award Value: 500 U.S. Dollar
This prize is shared with other categories.

The Eileen Maitland AwardThis award is to be given to the film that best addresses women’s issues and gives voice to female voices. It was created to honor of the spirit and memory of Eileen Maitland who was a dear friend and long-time supporter of the festival, as well as a patron andSponsor:No Sponsor Cash Award Value: 500 U.S. Dollar
This prize is shared with other categories.

The No Violence AwardProvided to reward the film that best exemplifies themes and images of peace, whether addressing the topic directly or simply turning the mind toward gentleness. No depictions of weaponry or fighting, human or animal suffering, or destructive activities. Provided by Ann Arbor residents Matthew Graff and Leslie Lawther.Sponsor:Matthew Graff and Leslie Lawther Cash Award Value: 512 U.S. Dollar
This prize is shared with other categories.

Award for Best International FilmGranted to the film produced outside of the United States which most strongly impresses our Awards Jury, this award is supported by Ann Arbor’s Tios Mexican Cafe.Sponsor:Tios Mexican Cafe Cash Award Value: 500 U.S. Dollar
This prize is shared with other categories.

Award for Best Music VideoProvided to recognize excellence in the art form of music video, which serves as a unique collaborative relationship between musician and film/video maker. This award is supported by Ann Arbor's beloved and independently owned Wazoo Records and Underground Sounds.Sponsor:Wazoo Records and Undergrounds Sounds Cash Award Value: 500 U.S. Dollar
This prize is shared with other categories.

Jury AwardsRemaining prize monies that are distributed at the awards jurors' discretion as honorable mentions to films of distinction and artistic accomplishment.Sponsor:No Sponsor Cash Award Value: 2,250 U.S. Dollar
This prize is shared with other categories.

Audience AwardSelected by the audience, two awards of $500 will be awarded to the two highest-rated films in competition at this year’s festival.Sponsor:TBD Cash Award Value: 1,000 U.S. Dollar
This prize is shared with other categories.

Category Rules

Rules specific to this category not provided. Read the festival's General Rules.